At the start of every year, we all make resolutions. Eat healthier, save more money, work out (and not just wear the leggings). But this January, I’m not just making a resolution—I’m launching The UnBuried Life Project. This is not a “new year, new me” thing; this is about finally tackling something that has haunted me for years: clutter.
And here’s the kicker: decluttering isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s a lifestyle. A way of living. Which is why I’m starting this ambitious, year-long project with a plan instead of a random trip to the dollar store in a cleaning frenzy.
If you’ve ever looked around your house and thought, “How did we accumulate so much STUFF?”—you’re not alone. I’ll be right there with you, figuring out how to make my home and life lighter, better organized, and—yes—beautiful, all on a budget.
Let’s break it down.
Decluttering My Home (and Mind) One Room at a Time
Why “The UnBuried Life Project”?
Because that’s how I feel right now: buried. Buried in clothes, papers, old decor I swear I’ll use someday, and countless other things that don’t bring me joy (or even mild amusement). This isn’t about minimalism. I’m not giving up every knick-knack. But I am giving up the chaos.
I want a home where I can actually breathe, where everything I own has a purpose or makes me genuinely happy. That doesn’t mean my house will look like a catalog (we live here, after all), but it will finally feel manageable.
The Goal: Release, Rediscover, Remain
When I sat down to outline this project, I realized my clutter isn’t just about stuff. It’s about the emotional weight it carries, the time it steals, and the frustration it creates. So I came up with three pillars to guide this journey:
1. Release
This is the purging phase. But it’s not about chucking everything in a garbage bag and calling it a day. It’s about intentionally releasing what no longer serves me. The clothes I haven’t worn in three years. The broken gadgets I swore I’d fix (spoiler: I didn’t). Even the guilt items—things I hold onto just because someone gave them to me.
To make this work, I’ll use these steps:
- Set rules: If I haven’t used it, worn it, or even thought about it in over a year, it’s probably time to say goodbye.
- Find homes for things: Donation bins, resale apps, or upcycling projects—everything will go somewhere with purpose.
- Keep emotions in check: Sentimental value is real, but not everything deserves a permanent spot in my home.
2. Rediscover
Here’s the fun part: digging through the mess to find the buried treasures. It’s amazing how many “lost” items you find during a good decluttering session. The DIY supplies I forgot about, the vintage decor that’s perfect for my mantle, or even the pair of jeans that still fit (hallelujah!).
Rediscovery is a big motivator for this project. Not only does it feel like a reward, but it also helps me avoid unnecessary spending. Why buy new when you can shop your own stuff?
3. Remain
Decluttering isn’t worth much if it doesn’t stick. That’s why maintaining my progress is just as important as purging and rediscovering. This pillar will involve setting up systems that work for my family and me—think labeled bins, DIY organizers, and simple habits to keep things in check.
I’ll also be experimenting with:
- “One in, one out” rule: For every new item brought into the house, something else must go.
- Monthly mini-check-ins: A quick sweep of hotspots like countertops, closets, and entryways to keep them clutter-free.
- Teaching my family: Because, let’s be real, I’m not the only one creating the mess.
The Plan: Room by Room
This project isn’t about tackling everything all at once. That’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, I’ll be focusing on one room at a time, breaking it down into manageable steps.
January: The Kitchen
I’m starting with the heart of the home—the kitchen. From expired spices to mismatched Tupperware lids (seriously, where do they go?), this space is prime for a fresh start.
February: The Bedroom
A clutter-free bedroom equals better sleep. That means clearing out old clothes, tidying up nightstands, and creating a serene, functional space.
March: The Bathroom
Expired toiletries, makeup I don’t use, and random hotel shampoos—goodbye!
And so on, month by month, room by room, until my entire home feels lighter and brighter.
The Budget Factor
Let’s be honest: organizing products can get pricey. Have you seen the cost of some of those fancy bins? But fear not—this project is all about finding low-cost (or no-cost) solutions.
Some of the strategies I’ll use include:
- DIY organizers: Using what I already have, like repurposing shoeboxes or jars.
- Thrifting: Secondhand stores are goldmines for affordable baskets, trays, and decor.
- Sales and coupons: Because nothing beats scoring a deal.
Join Me in The UnBuried Life Project
Here’s where you come in. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, I’d love for you to follow along with me. I’ll be sharing my progress, tips, and plenty of real-life moments (because, let’s face it, this won’t always be pretty).
Better yet, join me! Let’s tackle the clutter together. Whether you want to go all-in with a room-by-room plan or start small with a single drawer, The UnBuried Life Project is for anyone who wants to create a home and life they love.
Decluttering is hard, but it’s worth it. By releasing the excess, rediscovering the gems, and remaining intentional about what we bring into our spaces, we can all build homes that feel lighter, happier, and more like us.
So grab a box, a trash bag, or just some good old-fashioned determination. Let’s get unburied together.
Are you in? See you after the ball drops.
Want to remember this? Pin “Introducing The UnBuried Life Project” to your favorite Pinterest boards!
